Research Assistant Transcribers / Translators at Malaria Consortium - 4 Openings

Malaria Consortium, established in 2003, is one of the world’s leading non-profit organisations specialising in the prevention, control and treatment of malaria and other communicable diseases among vulnerable populations. Our mission is to save lives and improve health in Africa and Asia, through evidence-based programmes that combat targeted diseases and promote universal health coverage.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research Assistant Transcriber / Translator

Location: Osun
Employment Type: Temporary

Project Background

• Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, which bear the brunt of over 90% of the 250 million infections globally, and over half a million deaths each year. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are a well-proven method to reduce the chances of malaria infection, accounting for 68% of the cases averted between 2000 and 2015. Thanks to massive national distribution campaigns in these countries access to ITNs in many regions is high.
• However, there is still a significant gap between access to and use of ITNs - even when people have them they don’t always use them. This is a complex behavioural problem. Previous studies have highlighted barriers to mosquito net use such as concerns about chemicals, difficulties in hanging nets, and discomfort during use, and lack of relative risk perception from malaria. These barriers prevent full use of ITNs even when available. This requires a behaviourally informed approach to better understand and address these issues through targeted interventions.
• This research activities which draws from insights from our earlier qualitative exploratory study addressing barriers and facilitators, and culminating in the development of a prototype intervention, will comprise focus groups with a diverse sample of the population in areas with access to mosquito nets. We will conduct purposive sampling on geographical, socioeconomic, behavioural, and demographic characteristics to ensure a breadth and diversity of study participants. The study will focus on Osun state in Nigeria.

Purpose of the Assignment

• The purpose of this assignment is to conduct qualitative research to understand how participants feel and act towards a basic example of a behavioural intervention (low fidelity prototype) and then, after refining, test the more developed example to increase insecticide treated nets (ITNs) in selected areas of Osun state in Nigeria.

Scope of Work

• The qualitative work to be conducted under this service contract agreement involves the following components:
  • 5 to 6 focus group discussions with 6-8 participants per group, of a duration of around 90 minutes for the low fidelity prototype testing
  • 5 to 6 focus group discussions with 6-8 participants per group, of a duration of around 90 minutes for the high-fidelity prototype testing
• The study will employ a purposive sampling strategy to maximise the range and diversity of the sample, ensuring that we have a diversity of participants across criteria which may influence mosquito net use.
• Focus groups will be conducted in person (face-to-face) in groups of 6-8 participants and will take place in a communal space in participants’ communities. Topic guides have been designed drawing on results of initial exploratory research.
• We will seek input from potential users and frontline workers through user testing focus groups which will explore participants’ actions, behaviour, and attitudes towards the prototypes.
• User testing focus groups will support the study research aims by allowing participants to directly interact with the intervention and provide feedback to improve its acceptability and effectiveness.
• We will conduct user testing of a low-fidelity prototype of the intervention through focus groups with potential end-users. Following initial focus groups, we will incorporate user feedback received to refine the intervention. We will develop a high-fidelity prototype of the refined intervention and conduct user testing focus groups to explore participants’ attitudes towards and interactions with the high-fidelity prototype. This will allow us to seek feedback and refine the intervention to increase its acceptability and likely effectiveness. Drawing on these findings and the behavioural science literature, we will then design a pilot intervention in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Focus groups will be led by a local researcher. A second research assistant will be present to take notes and record observations using a note-taking template developed by BIT. If participants consent to audio recording, the discussion will be recorded and transcribed.
• All recordings will be transcribed and translated.

Specific tasks for Research Assistant Transcribers / Translators

• Participate in the training activity on the use of FGD topic guide, and FGD process.
• Participate in the pre-test and finalization process for the topic guide.
• Verbatim transcribe audio recording of FGDs.
• Translate the transcription of FGD from Yoruba to English.
• Ensure that data is handled in accordance with the approved research protocol.
• Ensure the integrity of data and the accurate storing as directed by the supervisor.
• Take all mandated steps to guarantee the protection of personal data.
• Report to the supervisor any issues or concerns that may impact compliance with the research protocol.
• Use project equipment with care, avoiding any damage.
• Promptly report any safeguarding risks or incidents.
• Submit timesheet and final report.

Deliverables for Research Assistant Transcribers / Translators

• Transcription of interview and FGD records.
• Translation of interview and FGD transcription
• Daily report submitted to the supervisor.
• Final report.

Person specification: Research Assistant Transcribers / Translators
Essential:

• OND / HND or a BSc in a relevant academic field.
• At least 2 years experience in collecting data for qualitative studies, or experience with professional translation.
• Attention to detail.
• Computer literacy to be able to work on electronic recording devices.
• Strong written and verbal skills in Yoruba.
• Strong written and verbal skills in English.

Desired:

• Resident in Osun state.
• Mother tongue Yoruba.
• Good communication skills and experience in participatory methodology.
• Innovative, motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision.

Quality Assurance:

• Please note that you may be contacted or invited by the Malaria Consortium’s Project Technical Team to discuss progress of activities, deliverables and timelines as related to this assignment.

Compensation
Please note that all terms will be discussed and agreed with the project lead. Payments are subject to satisfactory and timely completion of all assigned deliverables and will be according to Malaria Consortium’s finance policies.

Application Closing Date
19th January, 2025 (5:00PM).

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• For this position, previous working experience with MC and in SMC are added advantages.
• Applicants who do not follow this specification will be disqualified.
• Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Kindly note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and as a result, the process may conclude before the advertised deadline. Therefore, early applications are highly encouraged.
• Malaria Consortium does not accept or ask for payment during recruitment. We also would not accept hardcopy CVs; all applications should be sent through the above link.